Transport · New Zealand
Public transport discounts
Public transport discounts in New Zealand are not one national card. Community Connect needs a Community Services Card and registration with your local operator. Total Mobility is assessed region by region. SuperGold is for eligible seniors and some younger veterans pensioners.
- Official New Zealand sources
- Private · No account
Community Connect
Community Connect gives eligible Community Services Card holders 50% off most adult public transport fares when the concession is loaded on the correct travel card.
Community Connect concession
- Who
- Community Services Card holders who register with their local public transport operator.
- Why it matters
- Cuts single-trip adult fares on most buses, trains and ferries in participating regions.
- Next step
- Apply through your regional operator (AT HOP, Snapper, Bee Card, Metrocard or equivalent).
Community Services Card
- Who
- People on low incomes or receiving certain benefits.
- Why it matters
- Required before you can register Community Connect with your transport operator.
- Next step
- Apply through Work and Income if you do not already have a card.
- Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and most other regions use different travel cards and application websites.
- The concession must be on a registered card. Tag on and off with that card or you pay full fare.
- Community Connect funding can increase Total Mobility discounts in some cases. Check local rules.
Total Mobility
Total Mobility helps people whose impairment prevents safe independent use of ordinary public transport. It is run regionally with different assessment agencies.
Total Mobility scheme
- Who
- People with a long-term impairment that makes ordinary buses or trains unsafe or unsuitable.
- Why it matters
- Subsidises approved taxi and door-to-door trips so you can get to appointments, work or community activities.
- Next step
- Contact your regional assessment agency. Rules and subsidy levels vary by area.
SuperGold Card
SuperGold provides free off-peak travel on most public transport for eligible seniors. Some veterans pensioners under 65 also qualify.
SuperGold Card
- Who
- People aged 65 and over, and some people under 65 receiving New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension.
- Why it matters
- Free off-peak travel on most public transport services, plus other discounts.
- Next step
- Apply for a SuperGold card and check peak-time rules with your local operator.
- If you hold both SuperGold and a Community Services Card, you may be able to get peak-time discounts through Community Connect.
- SuperGold does not replace Total Mobility for door-to-door trips when you cannot use public transport.
Why location matters
- Each region sets how you apply, which cards work, and which services are included.
- Moving between regions usually means re-registering or transferring your concession.
- Inter-regional trains and ferries may have separate rules. Check before you travel.
- MyEligible can suggest local concessions based on your area, but you must confirm eligibility with the operator.
Not sure what applies?
Answer a few questions and MyEligible will suggest supports worth checking first.
Check benefits and supportsOfficial sources used for this guide
- Waka Kotahi: Community Connect
- Work and Income: Community Services Card
- Waka Kotahi: Total Mobility regional guide
- SuperGold Card
Sources reviewed 2026-09-10. No guessed payment amounts.